ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Battle for supremacy of churches along denominational lines has remained the bane of Christian growth in Nigeria, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has asserted.
Ewhrudjakpo made the assertion on Friday at separate meetings with the Catholic Men’s Organisation of St. Mathias Catholic Church, Amarata, and representatives of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Bayelsa State chapter, in Government House, Yenagoa.
He expressed worry over the division among Christians who lay greater emphasis on their doctrines and fail to appreciate the fact that they all worship one indivisible God.
Ewhrudjakpo stressed that if Christians could sink their doctrinal differences to pursue the overall goal of spreading the gospel of Christ with sincerity of purpose, they would make a greater impact in society.
He, therefore, urged Christian leaders and their followers to eschew divisiveness and work in unity to propagate the gospel.
Responding to their demands, Ewhrudjakpo said the present administration would continue to identify with churches in different ways including attending programmes whenever time permits.
He said: “As we are celebrating Pentecost, we should know that we are celebrating the spirit of oneness. What makes up Pentecost is the strength of the church to go wherever they want to.
“Oneness does not mean that we do not disagree; it means that we are one, whether in disagreement or not. It is the oneness of purpose that drives the process of success.
“We must as Christians try to promote ecumenism, which is the unity of Christians to preach Christ. It does not matter your denomination. The more divided we are, the weaker the body of Christ. “
Earlier, the Chairman of the Catholic Men’s Organization, St Matthias Church, Amarata, Mr. Paul Matthew, thanked the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri for his enormous assistance to Bomadi Diocese of the Catholic Church.
According to Matthew, Governor Diri is the first to appoint a Reverend Father as Deputy Chaplain in Government House Chaplaincy since the creation of the state.
On his part, the state Chairman of the Organization of African Instituted Churches, Senior Apostle Michael Makpah, commended the security and development efforts of the state government including prompt payment of workers salaries.
While pledging continued support for the present administration, Senior Apostle Makpah, appealed to the governor and his deputy to create a greater bond with the Christian community by periodically attending Sunday services outside their own churches.